Understanding the Idiom: Born With a Silver Spoon in One's Mouth

The idiom born with a silver spoon in one's mouth is the phrase that first triggered my interest in linguistics. In short, the idiom's meaning changes depending on a case-to-case basis. For example, if you have money to spend (in other words, you are considered wealthy), then it means that someone else has put you in a position of privilege and wealth; therefore, you are living your life with an idyllic existence. 

On the other hand, if you do not have money but live a luxurious and comfortable life due to your inherited wealth, you are seen as trying to be rich. Hence, the term 'silver spoon' refers to the fact that whoever coined it was referring to people living idyllic lives with access to luxury goods and services.

What does a Silver Spoon mean?

First, let's define what a silver spoon is. A silver spoon, especially Las Vegas silver spoons, is a spoon made of precious metal, usually with a minimal alloy of copper and zinc to help the item hold its shape. While most people associate silver with the kitchen, it can also be in flatware, decorative, kitchen and bathroomware, and even medical equipment.

History of the Idiom

The history of the silver spoon goes back as far as the 3rd Century BCE when it was believed that the Greek gods kept dippers made of silver. This is why people today use spoons made of silver for rituals and religious purposes. In the 16th Century, spoons with attached pieces of metal were first manufactured, and the tradition of giving spoons for jobs and achievements continued for a few hundred years after that. 

Although silver is not the most popular metal for making spoons, most silver spoons are made of silver. Interestingly, some silver spoons are, in fact, made of gold.

Examples of the Idiom Born with a Silver Spoon in One's Mouth

There are many famous examples of the idiom "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth," including:

• A silver spoon can be used to dig through the soil or to scratch an itch. If you have a silver spoon in your mouth, you are probably going to use it to scratch an itch or dig through the dirt.
• If you have a silver spoon in your mouth and speak a foreign language, you are likely trying to sound like someone who has a silver spoon in their mouth.
• If you have a silver spoon in your mouth when you are offered a bribe, you are most likely accustomed to receiving bribes and will accept them without question.

How to tell if you have a Silver Spoon in your Mouth?

• If someone refers to you as 'poor' or 'desperate' while you are present, it is a pretty good indicator that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• If someone offers to give you money, even for a service, it is a pretty good indicator that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• If you have inherited a lot of money, it automatically makes others think you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• Living in a fancy or luxurious house can also be a pretty good indicator that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• Having access to luxury goods and services probably indicates that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.